t tell you frankly your
foibles and dangers, and endeavor to guard you from the faintest
breath of detraction."

"I am very suspicious concerning the motives of all who come about me;
and, at times, I have been so unjust as to ascribe even my poor
Elsie's devotion to a desire to control my fortune for the benefit of
herself and child. Do you expect me to trust you more implicitly than
I ever trusted her?"

"I shall make it impossible for you to doubt me. Come to your room.
Elsie's few acquaintances will soon be here."

Mrs. Gerome thrust the key of her desk into her pocket, but a moment
after, when she drew out her handkerchief, it fell on the carpet, and
without observing it, she passed swiftly across the hall, and into her
own apartment.

As Dr. Grey lingered to secure the door, his eye fell upon the silver
key on the floor; and, placing it in his vest pocket, he rejoined
Salome.

At four o'clock several of Robert's friends came and seated themselves
in the room where the coffin sat wreathed with flowers; and
immediately after, Mr. and Mrs. Spiewell made their appearance,
accompanied by two ladies whose features were concealed by thick
veils. Robert and the servants soon joined them, and Salome stole into
the room and sat down in one corner.

Dr. Grey tapped softly at the door of Mrs. Gerome's apartment, and she
came out instantly, and walked firmly forward till she stood in the
presence of the dead. She was dressed in black silk, and wore two
heavy lace veils over her bonnet, which effectually screened her
countenance. Crossing the floor, she stood at Robert's side, and the
minister rose and began the burial service.

When a prayer was offered, all the other persons present bowed their
heads, but the mistress of the mansion remained erect and motionless;
and, as the pall-bearers took up the coffin and proceeded to the
grave, she followed Robert.

Dr. Grey stepped to her side and offered his arm, but she took no
notice of the act, and walked on as if she were an automaton.

The service was concluded, the coffin lowered, and, amid Robert's
half-smothered sobs, the mound was raised under the deodars, whose
long shadows slanted athwart it, in the dying sunlight.

The little group dispersed, and Mr. Spiewell led his wife to the owner
of "Solitude."

"Mrs. Gerome, Mrs. Spiewell and I have long desired the pleasure of
your acquaintance, and hope, if you need friends, you will permit
us--"

"Thank you for y